A Right-of-Way (ROW) agent works with oil and gas companies and other industries that need to secure property right to tracts of land. They obtain rights to use property on behalf of third-party companies, like oil drillers, government agencies, and other businesses.
Usually, an ROW agent's services consist of:
- Finding rightful landowners to the property
- Mapping out locations for dig sites on the property
- Creating appraisals of the property value
- Meeting with property owners and establishing a relationship
- Negotiating with property owners to obtain property rights at a fair price
- Securing the property and dig locations
- Conducting ongoing site reports
- Evaluating, preparing for, and settling possible damages that may occur on site
Basically, ROW agents work as a liaison between the landmen who scope out the property, the property owners, and the organizations that ultimately buy the property for company use. These agents are expected to be good with people and good with research and numbers. They’re also expected to hold several certifications.
The International Right of Way Association is the main governing body that educates and certifies ROW agents. Its generalist agent program is an entry-level certification, while its professional and senior programs offer advanced education and more career potential. The options for those interested in pursuing or furthering their careers includes the following:
ROW Agent Certification (RWA)
This entry level program requires a two-year degree or relevant qualifications, like work experience or other comparable accreditations. The certification requires one year of experience in ROW training. Applicants must have completed 64 beginner courses approved by the International Right of Way Association. Or they must be able to demonstrate knowledge in ROW training through several exams.
Additionally, applicants will be expected to have completed eight units worth of ROW ethics courses. RWA graduates learn basic ROW education, like administrative duties, appraisal, environmental and legal considerations, and title exams.
ROW Professional Certification (RWP)
This advanced certification is the next step after obtaining RWA certification. RWP applicant must meet all the requirements for RWA certification or otherwise be RWA certified. Generally, the program requires either a 2-year degree or 3-5 years of ROW experience. The coursework includes 80 units of education, including a mix of beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes. The ethics course is comprised of 8 units and is also required for certification. Every five years, RWP graduates must get recertifies with a 48-unit course.
These continuing education courses include ethics, IRWA approved courses, seminars, conferences, and other opportunities. RWP professionals learn intermediate and advanced ROW processes like engineering, property and asset management, negotiations and acquisition, and surveying.
Senior ROW Professional Designation (SR/WA)
The SR/WA is the highest certification offered by the IRWA. This certification is open to people who have previously earned an RWA certification or have had 5-9 years of right-of-way experience. The program entails 64 intermediate and advanced level courses, in addition to the 8-unit ethics course. The course also requires a capstone exam.
Certificate holders must be recertified every five years by completing 72 units worth of continuing education. SR/WA graduates represent the most advanced education the IRWA has to offer. After these intense courses, graduates will have basic, intermediate, and advanced knowledge in the ROW field. They’ll have rigorous training in ROW procedures in addition to ethics training, law and environmental education, asset management, appraisal, and other best practices.
ROW certification will start you on your path to a lucrative and successful career. IRWA courses are extensive and represent the highest standards in the industry. Advanced certifications with the IRWA increase salary and career potential and give you the most respected education in the ROW industry.
